Florida has received an "F" grade in election security.
Less than nine months before midterm elections, a new study shows most systems are vulnerable to hacking and other interference by foreign governments bent on disrupting the election process.
The Center for American Progress interviewed election officials to determine their election security preparedness after U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia tried to influence the 2016 election.
The study grades all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on adherence to best practices under seven categories, including:
- Adopting minimum cybersecurity measures for voter registration databases
- Using paper ballots
- Conducting post-election audits
While all states have taken steps to protect their elections from outside influence or system failure, the report found that election infrastructure in most states remain susceptible to attacks by sophisticated enemies.
Florida received an "F" rating. You can see a full breakdown of the rating, here:
No states received an "A" ranking. For a full breakdown of all the ratings, click here.
The Florida Division of Elections' Mark Ard released this statement about the report:
"This report conducted is misleading. Florida was unable to participate in their study because it is against Florida Law (Section 282.318, F.S.) for the Department to provide much of the information requested by the Center for American Progress. It’s ironic that because we kept protected information secure, we earned a failing grade.
Our elections and voting systems are secure. DOS will continue to work with all stakeholders to keep this important process safe and protected."